The best way to shield yourself from the inevitable mixture of emotions surrounding the act of submitting your resignation is to remember that employers follow a predictable, three-stage pattern when faced with a resignation:

 

1. They will be in shock as they consider the ramifications of your leaving.  The implication is that you are irreplaceable.
2. They will start to probe. Here you must be careful not to disclose too much information which, in all likelihood, will only be used to attempt to discredit your decision.
3. They will make you an offer to try to keep you from leaving.  (See counteroffer article)

 

It may take several days for the three stages to run their course, but sooner or later, you are likely to find yourself engaged in these conversations which typically arouse feelings of confusion, anxiety and even guilt.  Here are a few suggestions to help you handle the resignation process in a confident and professional manner.

 

The first thing you need to consider is the timing of your resignation.   Since two weeks' notice is considered the norm, make sure your resignation properly coincides with your start date at the new company.  Try to avoid an extended start date.  By staying at your old job for only two weeks, you will mitigate the envy, scorn, and feeling of professional impotence that can result as you assume the "lame-duck" employee role.

 

Your resignation should be handled in person, preferably on a Friday afternoon.  Ask your direct supervisor if you can speak with him privately in his office. When you announce your intention to resign, you should also hand your supervisor a letter which states your last date of employment.  Let him know that you've enjoyed working with him, but that an opportunity came along that you couldn't pass up.  Emphasize the fact that your decision to leave was made carefully, and does not reflect any negative feelings toward the company or the staff.  Make it clear that your decision is final, and that you would prefer not to be made a counteroffer, since you wouldn't want your refusal to accept more money to be taken personally.

 

Be sure to let your supervisor know that you appreciate all that the company has done for you; and that you'll do everything in your power to make your departure as smooth and painless as possible.  Ask what you can do during the two-week transition period, such as help train your successor, tie up loose ends, or delegate tasks.

 

Keep your resignation letter short, simple, and to the point (see Sample Resignation Letter article).  There's no need to go into detail about your new job, or what led to your decision to leave.  If these issues are important to your old employer, he'll schedule an exit interview for you, at which time you can hash out your differences ad infinitum.  In all likelihood, the human resource staff will want to meet with you to process your departure papers and cover any questions regarding the transfer of medical or retirement benefits.  Make sure to provide a carbon copy or photocopy of your resignation letter for your company's personnel file.  This way, the circumstances surrounding your resignation will be well documented for future reference.

 

Finally, relax as you look forward to assuming your new position.  Rest assured that with the right preparation, you can make a smooth transition from one job to the next.